Staff

Nancy Kay Blackwell, Executive Director

Nancy Kay Blackwell is a passionate child welfare professional with more than 20 years in human services for social and public policy driven organizations in Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. Her areas of focus include child welfare, early childhood development, faith-based policy, workforce development, and family homelessness. Nancy was most recently a Special Assistant at the D.C. Department of Family Services in the Family Services Administration where she provided strategic support on complex, politically sensitive special projects and managed a portfolio that included program rules and domestic violence. Prior to this role, Nancy was the Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Baltimore City for five years. She managed the day-to-day operations; raised the annual operating expenses through grant writing, individual, and corporate giving; and raised the voices of foster youth throughout the city. She was also very active with National CASA Association and chaired their Urban Programs Council to coordinate the views and needs of urban programs nationally. Nancy has also worked at National Association of Foster Care Children of America, D.C. Child and Family Services, Maryland Interfaith Legislative Committee, Center for Urban Families (formerly Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development), Baltimore City Department of Social Services, and Maryland Department of Human Services. Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language and Political Science, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Jurisprudence. She is married to Michael, a social worker, and has two children Christian, 28, and Zoe, 13.

Kate McLean, Director of Programs

Kate came to CCAI as a programs intern in 2017 and developed a strong passion for children in need of families and improving the child welfare system through advocacy programming during her internship experience. Kate attained a spot on the CCAI team in January 2018 and now works closely with the Executive Director in outreach, development, and programming. She supports the implementation of CCAI's core programs and annual projects, including the Foster Youth Internship Program®, Angels in Adoption®, and National Adoption Day. Kate enjoys volunteering with CASA DC and has been a volunteer since December 2019. Kate received a B.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Resolution from The George Washington University.

Taylor Draddy, Director of Policy

Taylor re-joined CCAI as Director of Policy in July 2019. She previously served as the Policy & Programs Associate at CCAI from 2014 to 2017. In her role, Taylor leads CCAI’s government relations, education, and advocacy work in domestic and international child welfare policy. Taylor supports the Congressional Resources Program and in her work with CCAI’s 20/20 Vision Program has coordinated several congressional delegations. Taylor also played an instrumental role in including the Adoption Tax Credit in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Prior to re-joining CCAI, Taylor served as the Public Affairs Coordinator at Foley & Larder LLP. In her role, Taylor assisted and supported the firm and clients by monitoring and tracking federal and state legislative and regulatory policy, research, advocacy, and facilitated meetings with Members of Congress and Administration officials. She has experience in managing large client fly-ins, congressional delegations, and events. She also served in several internships on Capitol Hill. Taylor received her undergraduate degree in political science from the Catholic University of America and a Master’s degree in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University.

Erika Brigantti, Policy and Programs Associate

Erika began working as CCAI's Policy and Programs Associate in 2018 after graduating from Duke University with B.A. in Public Policy and Global Health. Prior to CCAI, Erika interned at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) working on economic justice policy in Washington, D.C. Her passion for child and family policy has led her to pursue a career working in child welfare. In her role as Associate at CCAI, she supports the Directors of Policy and Programs on the Congressional Resource Program, 20/20 Vision, Angels in Adoption® Program, and the Foster Youth Internship Program®.